Set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass-forming machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form products such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics.
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
SOC: 51-9041 O*NET: 51-9041.00
Median Salary
$45,760
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass-forming machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form products such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics.
What does a Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$34,630
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,360
25th percentile
Median
$45,760
50th percentile
Experienced
$52,580
75th percentile
Top Earners
$63,450
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$34,630
25th
$38,360
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$45,760
Mean: $47,260
75th
$52,580
90th
$63,450
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $28,820 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,360 and $52,580
- •Salary spread is 31.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 58,770 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:58,300
Top Industries
Manufacturing92.5%
Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing42%
Rubber Product Manufacturing31.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.5%
Annual Openings:5,200
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)58,300
Current
2035 (Projected)59,200
+1.5%
+900
Employment Change
+1.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 45 locations
California
4,210 jobs$47,3000.61x
Tennessee
4,210 jobs$41,9703.39x
Ohio
3,970 jobs$47,0701.89x
North Carolina
3,420 jobs$43,0501.83x
Texas
3,420 jobs$37,7100.64x
New York
3,260 jobs$44,6600.89x
Indiana
3,150 jobs$46,7902.60x
South Carolina
2,460 jobs$51,6202.82x
Pennsylvania
2,450 jobs$53,5801.07x
Arkansas
2,190 jobs$48,3204.44x
Michigan
1,970 jobs$39,7901.18x
New Jersey
1,880 jobs$47,0801.16x
Virginia
1,810 jobs$49,3901.17x
Wisconsin
1,730 jobs$46,3701.56x
Illinois
1,690 jobs$47,3700.73x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Production and Processing
100%
#3
Rate Control
100%
#4
Operation and Control
92%
#5
Reaction Time
92%
#6
Monitoring
86%
#7
Perceptual Speed
82%
#8
Speaking
78%
#9
Arm-Hand Steadiness
74%
#10
Quality Control Analysis
70%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Production and Processing
advanced5.0
100%
Rate Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.6
92%
Reaction Time
advanced4.6
92%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Perceptual Speed
intermediate4.1
82%
Speaking
intermediate3.9
78%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Production and Processing
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Rate Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Reaction Time
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Perceptual Speed
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance78%
skills
3.9/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Mechanical
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators90%
5 shared skills
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation89%
5 shared skills
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic89%
5 shared skills
Etchers and Engravers89%
5 shared skills
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic80%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Production and Processing
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Critical Thinking
- →Problem Sensitivity
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Rate Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Production and Processing
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Rate Control
- ★Reaction Time
- ★Perceptual Speed
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (18)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)
1
Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Turn controls to adjust machine functions, such as regulating air pressure, creating vacuums, and adjusting coolant flow.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development85% perform90%
7
Select and install machine components, such as dies, molds, and cutters, according to specifications, using hand tools and measuring devices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Record and maintain production data, such as meter readings, and quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Synchronize speeds of sections of machines when producing products involving several steps or processes.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.30
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.24
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.01
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.00
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.91
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.86
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.3
Dependability
4.2
Cooperation
4.0
Initiative
4.0
Self-Control
3.9
Independence
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Integrity
3.9
Persistence
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.4k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.4k program completions/year
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Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
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Jacksonville, FL
1.1k program completions/year
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Phoenix, AZ
863 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
789 program completions/year
Maysville Community and Technical College
Maysville, KY
776 program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
685 program completions/year
Arclabs
Piedmont, SC
669 program completions/year
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
649 program completions/year